Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Whew! That's all I have to say about that. Just kidding. Last night, about an hour before closing, I had a visit from three different people who want custom work done for them in one way or another. A gentleman from Ohio is touring the colleges with his son and discovered my wine bottle pendant lamps hanging in the gallery. He inquired about shipping two of them home so that he may install them in his bathroom remodel. How cool is that?

Another customer wandered in after thinking about our shop for custom jewelry. Well, little did she know, she came to the right place. I showed her some work from one of our jewelry artists...

...and she was sold, instantly. We'll be pairing them up and see what happens.

Then, a woman whose husband is part of a motorcycle club that is having its holiday party this Saturday night wants to bring a gift for the white elephant game. I suggested a custom luminari with the club logo on it, and she about flipped out. I had to whip up a design in photoshop right quick for her, and upon her approval, I locked up shop and zipped over to kinkos to get some print-outs made.

I also turned out some amazing new designs based on some scans that have been waiting in the wings. I just added "Washington" and "Oregon" to the vintage postcard series. The produce labels have been doing quite well due to the "claremont-centric" nature of the material.

After that, it was up bright and early to gather the parts and pieces necessary to transform the tree into holiday mode.

And, back to luminari mode, when we close, tonight. Unfortunately, we don't have any room for workshop space here at the store, otherwise I'd be able to get so much done during the day. We're going to investigate the potential over the next several months.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Growing up in California, we've learned to appreciate the icons of the holiday season from a second hand perspective. We have never actually made a snowman in our front yards, but we've seen plenty of snowmen painted on storefront windows at Christmastime.

And, as children, we never went ice skating in the neighborhood park during winter, but we used to watch our favorite "Peanuts" characters ice skate on TV.

While those icons may do a very good job of invoking that sense of holiday spirit in all of us, once the TV is turned off and the windows are wiped clean of their winter scenes, the connections we have with our friends and family are all that remain. And, it's that connection with those whom we appreciate and who appreciate us that keep the holiday spirit alive, all year long.

Thanks to all of the new friends we've made who have frequented the store over the past two months. Thanks to all who pass the store and wave hello, and to those who stop by to chat. Our holiday season is sure to be a long one.